About this Discussion

In 2019, over 92 billion tonnes of materials were extracted and processed, contributing to about half of global CO2 emissions. This “take-make-dispose” approach and the resulting waste – including plastics, textiles, food, electronics and more – is taking its toll on the environment and human health.

A circular economy model replaces this end-of-life concept with restoration, shifts towards the use of renewable energy, eliminates the use of toxic chemicals, which impair reuse and return to the biosphere, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, systems and business models. The circular economy approach improves resource efficiency and reduces environmental impact on natural capital by designing products in a more recyclable way, adopting efficient technology and turning waste into a resource. The circular economy offers a trillion-dollar opportunity in terms of possible material savings, innovation and job creation, improved land productivity and soil health, and green growth. Achieving this, however, requires strong collaboration between leaders from business, government and civil society.

Upcoming Events

Circular Economy

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In case you missed it, we are pleased to share with you the recording of our UNEA-7 associated event, “The Network is the Solution: A Strategic Dialogue on Data, Science, and Knowledge Networks for a Circular Economy.”

This session brought together representatives and technical experts from the scientific community, governments, international organizations, and the business sector to explore strategic partnerships and actionable solutions that translate scientific and technical insights into effective policies and real-world impact.

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https://youtu.be/_MHNAGGrLg4?si=G0qDzYNNdwHrNRM3
pdfPPT presentation UNEA 7 The Network is the Solution.pdf8.58 MB
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A post is already pinned to this stream. Would you like to replace it?

? Webinar Series Launch | "Advancing the Transition to a Pollution-Free Agrifood Industry through Circular, Regenerative, and Bioeconomy Approaches"

This opening session on Tuesday May 6th, 2025 brings together experts from UN agencies and academia to explore how circularity, regenerative practices, and the bioeconomy approaches can support more sustainable agricultural value-chains.

The session will:
? Provide an understanding of how circular, regenerative and bioeconomy approaches can advance a transition to a pollution-free agrifood industry,
? Showcase how these approaches align with sustainable consumption and production patterns,
? Present policy experiences and actions from countries that are advancing circularity,
? Emphasize the importance of an inclusive and just transition.

The conversation builds on the momentum of UNEA-6 Resolution 1, which recognizes the potential of sustainably managed agro-industries—such as sugarcane—to contribute to climate mitigation, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction.

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https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/news-and-events/news/webinar-series-advancing-transition-pollution-...
Karen Lapitan commented on Elga Reyes's Post in Circular Economy, Waste Management

Hello! Join the Asian Development Bank's first ever Circular Economy Forum this June 17–18 at ADB HQ in Manila! Registration is now live. Slots are limited, so be sure to register early at: https://tinyurl.com/join-CE-Forum

Together, let's rethink how we use our resources and advance a circular economy for a sustainable future. ♻️

You can find more details here: https://adb.eventsair.com/ce-forum/

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Hello friends, greetings from Guatemala. You are cordially invited to listen to and follow our podcast CIRCULARIDAD, which we publish on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

We currently have 10 active content programs, and we generate content almost every day, thanks to the support of institutions and companies that create episodes on different environmental topics.

This podcast is in Spanish.

You are invited to be part of this CIRCULAR COMMUNITY.

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https://open.spotify.com/show/32ui21uKDEOeZKP6bvGAYw?si=D53wepY7TVyrX-AS4zK9Pg
Green Growth Knowledge Partnership(GGKP)

The Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) is expanding its digital offerings with AI-powered search, automated content curation, and API-based integration to better serve policymakers, researchers, businesses, and technical assistance providers. Read More

Seeking Suggestions!

Sustainability has led to the emergence of many new professions across industries. Can you suggest some name of professions (list) that have evolved due to sustainability challenges and initiatives?

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Karen Lapitan commented on Jorge Martins's Post in Circular Economy

Created a Post in Circular Economy

Your expertise is needed on emerging trends in circular solutions for wood waste!
We’re excited to invite you to participate in the Horizon Scanning survey for the HEU Wood2Wood Project ? https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/3E54D528D014DC2B

Why does this matter?
Wood waste from construction, demolition, and furniture is a growing challenge. The Wood2Wood project is tackling this head-on by exploring adaptive cyber-physical sorting systems, bioremediation technologies, energy valorisation, and digital product passports to track materials across value chains. But to drive real impact, we need your insights.

What’s this survey about?
We’re mapping emerging trends that will shape the future of circular wood waste solutions - and their impact on labour markets, education systems, and organisations. Your expertise in sustainability, innovation, policy, and socio-technical systems can help us identify the skills and strategies needed for a successful circular transition.

Why you?
If you work in circular economy, waste management, sustainable design, or future skills development, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Your input will help shape policies, business models, and workforce strategies for a more sustainable future.

Take the survey now and share your vision!

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Karen Lapitan commented on National Stewardship Action Council's Post in Circular Economy

Join the Stewardship Action Foundation on 2/20/25 from 10-11:30 AM PST for our second “Revolutionizing Recycling: Innovations for A Circular Economy” webinar hosted by the Stewardship Action Foundation.” This webinar features four speakers in a “speed dating for new technologies” format. Our speakers are dedicated to advancing the circular economy.

Webinar attendees will gain insights into the latest developments and recycled content products in the market and can engage directly with developers during the Q&A session. This is part of our bi-annual innovative technology webinar series, with our next webinar planned for fall of 2025.

Agenda:
[10:00 – 10:05] Welcome & Introductions - Jordan Wells, Moderator
[10:05 – 10:10] Heidi Sanborn, Stewardship Action Foundation
[10:10 – 10:20] Ray Loflin, Okeanos | Made from Stone
[10:20 – 10:30] Benjamin Osipow, Again Technologies
[10:30 – 10:40] Mike MacKay, DeSpray Environmental
[10:40 – 10:50] Emin Israfil, Rubbish
[10:50 – 11:30] Q&A Session

Our Speakers:
With over 34 years experience being a leader in the solid waste industry, Heidi Sanborn is the nation's foremost expert on producer responsibility and product stewardship and the founding Director of the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC). She has led the way organizing local governments to ensure product producers have a fair share of the responsibility for the end of life impacts and costs of their products. She has sponsored, crafted, passed and implemented more Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) local and state legislation than in any other person in the US. Bills passed in CA alone include paint, mercury thermostats, carpet, pharmaceuticals and sharps, and packaging.

Ben Osipow joined Again Technologies in 2023 to lead strategy and business development. Ben grew up in the recycling and material processing industry and recognizes the need to bring awareness to the improved technology that is driving sustainability and economic growth in plastics recycling. Ben’s experience is in partnerships and business development, he started his career in corporate partnerships for multiple professional sports organizations and is a graduate of Boston College in the Carroll School of Management.

Ray Loflin is the North American Sales Director and Degradation Innovation Director for Okeanos. He has a degree in Biology with a focus in Chemistry from James Madison University and has worked in the field of biodegradable plastics for 16 years. He has been a member of ASTM for 15 years, Secretary of subcommittee D20.96 on Environmentally Degradable Plastics and Biobased Products, chairs subsectionD20.96.14 on Anaerobic Biodegradation, and has several ASTM standards to his name. He is also a co-founding member of the SPF (Sustainable Plastics Federation) and co-host of the podcast, Mastering Sustainability.

Mike MacKay a visionary leader and a globally recognized expert in aerosol recycling technology. As the managing director and co owner at DeSpray Environmental, he has devoted over 25 years to the advancement of aerosol recycling. His leadership and unwavering compassion for aerosol recycling has been crucial in developing and promoting DeSpray's innovative recycling technology on a global scale. He was the Founder of the Worlds first 100% aerosol recycling system founded in Canada in 1998. DeSpray's unique technology, capable of re-compressing propellant back into liquid for 100% reuse as an alternative fuel, highlights the company's commitment to sustainable and profitable recycling solutions.

Emin Israfil is the founder of Rubbish, an AI-driven platform transforming waste management and resource recovery practices. Invited to at Waste Expo, NASA Ames Research Center, and the government of Brazil, Emin shares insights from deploying solutions across America, including implementations for the City of New Orleans and across California. With 8 years of waste management and 13 years of professional engineering leadership, Emin started Rubbish in 2017 to clean up litter on the streets of San Francisco and has grown the company to apply cutting edge technology to waste management. Their AI software optimizes operations, automates repetitive tasks, and ensures compliance for cities, large properties, and waste management professionals.

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https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zfNZ7-ZgRcWLJCwWZZivWw

Join the Stewardship Action Foundation on 2/20/25 from 10-11:30 AM PST for our second “Revolutionizing Recycling: Innovations for A Circular Economy” webinar hosted by the Stewardship Action Foundation.” This webinar features four speakers in a “speed dating for new technologies” format. Our speakers are dedicated to advancing the circular economy.

Webinar attendees will gain insights into the latest developments and recycled content products in the market and can engage directly with developers during the Q&A session. This is part of our bi-annual innovative technology webinar series, with our next webinar planned for fall of 2025.

Agenda:
[10:00 – 10:05] Welcome & Introductions - Jordan Wells, Moderator
[10:05 – 10:10] Heidi Sanborn, Stewardship Action Foundation
[10:10 – 10:20] Ray Loflin, Okeanos | Made from Stone
[10:20 – 10:30] Benjamin Osipow, Again Technologies
[10:30 – 10:40] Mike MacKay, DeSpray Environmental
[10:40 – 10:50] Emin Israfil, Rubbish
[10:50 – 11:30] Q&A Session

Our Speakers:
With over 34 years experience being a leader in the solid waste industry, Heidi Sanborn is the nation's foremost expert on producer responsibility and product stewardship and the founding Director of the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC). She has led the way organizing local governments to ensure product producers have a fair share of the responsibility for the end of life impacts and costs of their products. She has sponsored, crafted, passed and implemented more Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) local and state legislation than in any other person in the US. Bills passed in CA alone include paint, mercury thermostats, carpet, pharmaceuticals and sharps, and packaging.

Ben Osipow joined Again Technologies in 2023 to lead strategy and business development. Ben grew up in the recycling and material processing industry and recognizes the need to bring awareness to the improved technology that is driving sustainability and economic growth in plastics recycling. Ben’s experience is in partnerships and business development, he started his career in corporate partnerships for multiple professional sports organizations and is a graduate of Boston College in the Carroll School of Management.

Ray Loflin is the North American Sales Director and Degradation Innovation Director for Okeanos. He has a degree in Biology with a focus in Chemistry from James Madison University and has worked in the field of biodegradable plastics for 16 years. He has been a member of ASTM for 15 years, Secretary of subcommittee D20.96 on Environmentally Degradable Plastics and Biobased Products, chairs subsectionD20.96.14 on Anaerobic Biodegradation, and has several ASTM standards to his name. He is also a co-founding member of the SPF (Sustainable Plastics Federation) and co-host of the podcast, Mastering Sustainability.

Mike MacKay a visionary leader and a globally recognized expert in aerosol recycling technology. As the managing director and co owner at DeSpray Environmental, he has devoted over 25 years to the advancement of aerosol recycling. His leadership and unwavering compassion for aerosol recycling has been crucial in developing and promoting DeSpray's innovative recycling technology on a global scale. He was the Founder of the Worlds first 100% aerosol recycling system founded in Canada in 1998. DeSpray's unique technology, capable of re-compressing propellant back into liquid for 100% reuse as an alternative fuel, highlights the company's commitment to sustainable and profitable recycling solutions.

Emin Israfil is the founder of Rubbish, an AI-driven platform transforming waste management and resource recovery practices. Invited to at Waste Expo, NASA Ames Research Center, and the government of Brazil, Emin shares insights from deploying solutions across America, including implementations for the City of New Orleans and across California. With 8 years of waste management and 13 years of professional engineering leadership, Emin started Rubbish in 2017 to clean up litter on the streets of San Francisco and has grown the company to apply cutting edge technology to waste management. Their AI software optimizes operations, automates repetitive tasks, and ensures compliance for cities, large properties, and waste management professionals.

Read More

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zfNZ7-ZgRcWLJCwWZZivWw

The EPPIC Sustainable Packaging Helpdesk, hosted by Searious Business, provides practical advice and solutions for businesses in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa aiming to reduce plastic waste and embrace reusable packaging.

? What can we help with?
Expert advice on packaging design and material choices
Tailored solutions to make reusable packaging work for your business
Guidance on circular business models and sustainable practices

? How it works:
✅ Free registration – No cost to access expert help
✅ Quick responses – Email us and we’ll get back to you ASAP
✅ Optional video calls – For in-depth problem-solving with our experts
✅ Online training workshops – Coming in 2025, with general and focused reuse sessions for stakeholders across industries – see website for details.

? Join the movement to fight plastic pollution and build sustainable systems!
To register: https://www.seariousbusiness.com/eppic#helpdesk

#EPPIC_Plastics #EPPIC_Business #endplasticpollution #circulareconomy #reusablepackaging #sustainablepackaging

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http://www.seariousbusiness.com/eppic#helpdesk